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Intel hotspots take to the skies

Deal with Boeing offers in-flight wireless internet access

Intel has signed a deal
with Boeing to launch the
first commercially available in-flight wireless internet access service.

Connexion
by Boeing will become the first in-flight internet service to be verified
under Intel's Wireless Verification Programme.

Boeing said that it has deals in place with Lufthansa Airlines, Scandinavian
Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines on more
than 100 daily routes worldwide. The service is also available on private and
government aircraft.

The Intel announcement follows an agreement last week between Connexion by
Boeing and Yahoo in which
Yahoo's search engine will be the default on Boeing's in-flight internet
service.

Rob Staples, head of consulting services at
Capgemini in the UK,
said: "The idea of anytime anyplace connectivity is compelling, but the reality
is less so.

"High prices and products that are difficult to use often turn off potential
customers. While Connexion is not new, this partnership with Intel could be
interesting if it can help to address the customer experience.

"The issue of high prices, however, needs to be dealt with if this service is
to really take off."

The cost to passengers will be $29.95 for international flights and $19.95
for flights under six hours. Pay-per-minute charging will also be available at
$9.95 for 60 minutes and $0.25 per minute thereafter.

The service competes directly with Inmarsat's
Broadband Global
Area Network which is also being developed to offer online communications to
air passengers and will allow mobile phone calls.

Inmarsat
claims that half of long-haul planes already use its equipment for safety and
operational features, and that upgrading the system to add data communications
for passengers is fairly simple.